Thursday, September 29, 2011

8:04 AM

Former GOP state Sen. Ted Kanavas announced this morning he will not run for the U.S. Senate, saying it would be too difficult to raise the money necessary to win.

Kanavas, R-Brookfield, said a four- or five-candidate field would make it tough to fundraise in hard economic times. What’s more, he said many donors have said privately that they would refrain from supporting anyone out of respect for Tommy Thompson’s political legacy in Wisconsin.

“I am not a multi-millionaire and do not have unlimited personal funds to put into this race,” Kanavas said. “I go to work every day like most of the people of Wisconsin. “

So far, only former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann has officially announced among Republicans. Thompson has filed the paperwork necessary to begin raising money, while Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald and state Sen. Frank Lasee are also considering bids.